Back to News
Oct 29, 2025 4:00 AM

Bill Gates Foundation With Stakes In Microsoft, Berkshire, Waste Management, Faces Senate Inquiry Over Alleged $23 Million China Funding

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is facing a formal inquiry from the U.S. Senate over allegations it has funded the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its allies, potentially in violation of its tax-exempt status.

$23 Million In Grants Were Paid To 20 Chinese Entities

In a letter dated Oct. 27, 2025, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) confronted foundation CEO Mark Suzman with reports of “grants and direct payments” to Chinese state-run entities. The letter alleges that in 2022, the foundation provided approximately $23 million to over 20 different Chinese entities.

The inquiry centers on the foundation’s $47.78 billion trust, which holds substantial stakes in Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT), Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK) (NYSE:BRK), and Waste Management Inc. (NYSE:WM), and remains a significant force in the market.

The Gates Foundation didn’t respond to Benzinga‘s request for comment on Senator Grassley’s letter and the allegations.

Foundation’s Tax-Exempt Status Probed Over Government Grants

Senator Grassley's letter ...